William 'Bill' Wilson, whistling mailman

Jun 29, 2014

William "Bill" A. Wilson, 88, of Milford died Tuesday June 24, 2014, while visiting family in Rochester, N.Y. Mr. Wilson was born in Milford to the late James F. Wilson and Mary H. Wilson.

He was a veteran of World War II, proudly serving in the 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles and fighting in the famous Battle of the Bulge. He received a Purple Heart for injuries received in combat during that campaign.

He was a retired letter carrier for the U.S. Post Office in Milford and was once dubbed the “whistling mailman” by the local paper in recognition of his practice of whistling while he delivered mail throughout the central business district.

He loved sports, hunting, training hunting dogs, woodworking, singing and most of all, ballroom dancing. He taught ballroom dancing for over 53 years, and enjoyed ballroom dancing at venues across the Delmarva Peninsula and beyond.

Mr. Wilson was a member of the Elks, Milford Lodge, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6483, and USA Dance Inc. He was a member of Avenue United Methodist Church and Trinity Lutheran Church in Chestertown, Md., where he sang in the choir. He always loved working with youth and coached Little League baseball for many years.

Above all, Mr. Wilson was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great friend who will be greatly missed by all who knew his positive spirit, endless energy, kindness, generosity and unbridled willingness to help others. He positively touched the lives of all who knew him, and was especially good in bringing joy to children.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife Elsie A. “Trixie” Wilson; and two sisters, Lucy Sanderson and Alice Greenly.

He is survived by his loving wife, Ruth (Coxon) Wilson of Chestertown; sisters Bernice Smith and Martha Coverdale of Milford; son and daughter-in-law, Dale W. and Barbara A. Wilson of Rehoboth Beach; granddaughter Susan L. Wendel and her husband John B. of Paoli, Pa.; grandson Scott M. Wilson and his wife, Jaimeeganleong of Rochester, N.Y.; stepdaughter Valerie B. Rider of Chestertown; stepson R. David Brice of Millington, Md.; four stepgrandchildren; and eight stepgreat-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, July 2, at 1 p.m., in the chapel of Avenue United Methodist Church, 20 N. Church St. Milford, where friends may call two hours earlier. Burial will be in the Milford Community Cemetery.

Flowers are accepted or contributions can be made in Mr. Wilson’s name to: American Heart Association, PO Box 15120 Chicago, IL 60693.